Rat Zapper Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Rat Zapper Classic and the Ultra?

You will get a longer battery life and about 30 kills per set of recommended D-sized batteries with the larger-sized Rat Zapper Ultra, which can accommodate large rodents as well as small mice. It also features a special battery check light. The original Rat Zapper Classic will give you between 10 and 30 kills, depending on the type of AA-sized batteries being used.

What type of batteries should I use in the Rat Zappers?

The manufacturer, AgriZap, recommends using D-sized Energizer Max alkaline batteries for roughly 30 kills in the Rat Zapper Ultra. At a minimum, the Ultra requires a good quality brand of alkaline batteries; standard heavy-duty batteries are not suitable for use in the Rat Zapper.

For the Rat Zapper Classic, AgriZap recommends using AA-sized Energizer Max, Energizer Titanium E2 or Duracell Ultras with M3 technology alkaline batteries for about 10 kills, but you can supercharge it with Energizer e2 lithium batteries and get around 30 kills. At a minimum, the Classic requires a good quality brand of alkaline batteries; standard heavy-duty batteries are not suitable for use in the Rat Zapper.

The manufacturer does not recommend using rechargeable batteries in the Rat Zappers because these batteries do not have the same depth of power to supply the number of kills or days of stand-by power as alkaline batteries. Rechargeable batteries will not damage the unit nor do they pose a safety issue.

Is the Rat Zapper easy to use?

The Rat Zapper is simple to use. Place the trap is an area where rodents travel, and bait the unit with a little in front and more in the back of it. The high-tech system senses the rodent’s presence inside the device and delivers sufficient electrical energy to quickly and humanely dispatch the mouse, rat or other rodent.

How does the Rat Zapper kill the rodent?

The Rat Zapper’s high-tech system senses the rodent’s presence inside the trap and delivers enough electrical energy – about 6 volts – to quickly and humanely kill the rodent.

Do I have to use bait?

You should bait the Rat Zapper to help lure the rodent into the trap. Ordinary dry pet food is an effective lure for rodents, but if you want to try something different as a lure, here’s list of some favorites: dry nuts, trail mix, oatmeal cookie morsels, candy corn, peanut butter and/or chocolate placed in a plastic bottle cap, Ritz Bitz with peanut butter, sweet feed, chicken scratch, and Goldfish crackers.

Anything gooey, oily or salted should be placed in a plastic bottle cap or you may end up with a mess inside the trap that could compromise the electronic sensing components. Salted nuts and seeds can also cause corrosion to the plates in the bottom of your trap.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Just like people, rodents can have different tastes and preferences. If the rodents turn their noses up at one lure, try something else; observe what they’ve been attracted to in your home or yard and try that.

How can I tell if the Rat Zapper is working?

When you turn the power switch to the “on” position, the indicator light on top of the Rat Zapper will blink once then go out. If the light does not come on, try changing batteries.

Is there a way to test if the unit is working?

The “screwdriver test” enables you to see if the Rat Zapper Classic or silver-colored Ultra – but not the infrared black Ultra – is working properly. To perform the test you will need a 7-inch long screw driver with a plastic or rubber handle.

Start by placing the Rat Zapper on a counter or table, turn the unit on and then position it so you are looking through the metal grid at the back of the device. You should see a square hole in the metal grid on the back of the trap.

Insert the screwdriver through the square hole, allowing it to rest on the metal grid, and place the tip of the screwdriver on the center “island” plate inside the unit. Both of these contacts are necessary to perform the test.

Allow the tip to rest on the island for 15 seconds and then slowly begin to lift the tip off the plate. When you do this, you should see a strong blue spark that arcs about 1/8- to 1/4-inch high, and it will also create a noticeable buzzing sound that will last for about two minutes.

As with a kill, the red light on top of the unit will blink until the trap is reset.

How can I tell if I caught a rodent?

The red light on top of the Rat Zapper will blink. It will continue to blink until the trap has been rest.

The light is blinking but there’s no rodent inside. What happened?

A blinking light with no rodent inside the Rat Zapper may indicate moisture has caused a “false trip” of the sensor or the trap requires cleaning.

How do I clean the Rat Zapper?

When dust, dirt or other contaminants accumulate in the Rat Zapper, you will need to clean the trap; otherwise it may trigger a false trip, causing the red light to blink repeatedly when you turn it on. You can clean your trap with the following steps:

Remove the batteries before cleaning to ensure safety.

Obtain an inexpensive, thin aluminum pan large enough in width and length to accommodate the Rat Zapper.

Fill the pan with approximately 1 inch of warm/hot water, a teaspoon of vinegar and an ample amount of dish detergent. Set the Rat Zapper in the pan and let it soak for about 1 hour to loosen debris.

Using a soft bristle or bottle brush (commonly found in the cookware section of your local supermarket) gently brush the bottom of the Rat Zapper.

To rinse, carefully allow a gentle stream of fresh water to flow over the cleansed bottom surface of the trap. Do not spray the device or allow moisture to intrude into the electronics that are housed at the top of the unit because this may cause the electronics to short out and impair the trap’s performance.

After cleaning and rinsing the bottom of the Rat Zapper thoroughly, tip it with the open end face down to allow the unit to drain and completely air dry for about two or three hours before putting it back in service. Do not use an air compressor or hair dryer to speed up drying.

Can the Rat Zapper be used outdoors?

For temporary outdoor use, place the Rat Zapper under a weatherproof tarp or cover it with a plastic freezer bag, leaving only the entry uncovered. Secure the plastic bag to the trap with an elastic band.

AgriZap has created two versions of the Rats Nest – one size for the Classic and a larger size for the Ultra – which is a specially designed protective shield that can be used whenever the Rat Zapper is placed in an outdoor setting.

How do I empty the trap?

Turn the power switch to the “off” position, pick up the Rat Zapper and simply dispose of the rodent by tipping the trap over an appropriate waste receptacle.

Why is the Rat Zapper a good choice over other rodent control products?

The Rat Zapper is a poison-free rodent control product, so there are no deadly poisons around your home, business or outdoor environment. The trap kills humanely, and disposal is as simple as dropping the rodent into an acceptable waste receptacle.

Is the Rat Zapper guaranteed to work?

AgriZap offers a 30-day money back guarantee (with proof of purchase) that the Rat Zappers will work, and it includes a one-year parts and labor warranty. All they require is that you call them first at 888.332.3728 to troubleshoot the matter, because most issues can be resolved over the phone.